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She Stoops to Conquer

She Stoops to Conquer, Oliver Goldsmith, 1773

Notable for

being pretty much the only play written in the 18th century that anyone still cares about. This was not a great century for literature, guys.

She Stoops to Conquer is a Congreve-esque comedy of situation. A young aristocrat discovers that her potential suitor is terribly shy around gentlewomen, so she poses as a serving girl in order to win his affection. Meanwhile, her mischievous step-brother pulls some amusing pranks.

I don’t have a whole lot to say about this particular piece of literature. It’s a funny play. The comedy centers around characters misunderstanding each other’s’ rank and behaving inappropriately. It’s very much in the same vein as Congreve, but pared down a bit. More jokes, fewer aphorisms. If you enjoy reading/seeing plays, this one is definitely worth your time.

Favorite Snippet:

HARDCASTLE. Depend upon it, child, I’ll never control your choice; but Mr. Marlow, whom I have pitched upon, is the son of my old friend, Sir Charles Marlow, of whom you have heard me talk so often. The young gentleman has been bred a scholar, and is designed for an employment in the service of his country. I am told he’s a man of an excellent understanding.MISS HARDCASTLE. Is he?HARDCASTLE. Very generous.MISS HARDCASTLE. I believe I shall like him.HARDCASTLE. Young and brave.MISS HARDCASTLE. I’m sure I shall like him.HARDCASTLE. And very handsome.MISS HARDCASTLE. My dear papa, say no more, (kissing his hand), he’s mine; I’ll have him.